Nomad Tue Aug 26, 2014 6:10 pm
NAME OF THE TEST UNIT: Vindicators of Vydar
THEME TEST: Are there are any powers or stats on the test unit card that do not accurately reflect the theme or likeness of what the character should be able to do? Also consider whether or not this character's powers should affect destructible objects. PASS.
FUN TEST: Was the unit fun to play? PASS. They fell fast against hot rolls and a lack of order markers on them.
FUN OPPOSITION TEST: Was the unit acceptable to play against? Could it be considered annoying? PASS. Opponent’s strategy was to take them in one turn so that they didn’t have an opportunity to bump their stats or get rebuilt. It worked.
USAGE TEST: Were all of the powers on this card used, or at least usable? PASS. Although Derek wasn’t able to get them repaired.
STRATEGY TEST: Does the unit offer any real strategy or interesting tactics to the overall game? PASS. These guys are going be difficult to play well, but they offer new strategy. Do you save them for clean-up when you can put multiple OMs on them? Do you send them out early to see what you can do and how many repairs you can get? The problem is if your opponent is able to take them out in a turn or two, that whole repair power is negated.
BONDING TEST: Compare the unit card with all currently existing Bonding abilities. Are there any Bonding loops that do not stop appropriately? PASS.
SYNERGIES TEST: Think of all the current cards that would have synergy with the unit card. Are there any factors that could break the game by making a unit too powerful or too weak? PASS. Derek used them Laglor to bump their range for a couple of rounds. But their attack was low enough with all three that they didn’t do a ton of damage.
POWER CHECK: When considering the test unit against all existing units (including released C3V and SoV units) and all glyphs, are there any powers that could be overamplified and break the game? PASS.
DRAFTING TEST: Is this unit worth drafting? PASS. I like them! They can be very swingy – which was the point for their design. A nice filler for a Vydar army.
MIRROR TEST: Consider the test unit against itself. Are there any loops that would upset the balance of the Game? PASS.
ARMY TEST
Did the unit perform adequately? What should be the unit's point value? Give a brief summary. [insert pass/fail, point value, and brief summary] INCONCLUSIVE. Even with the recent change in the powers, I left the points at 60. Because they can be difficult to play and because they are so swingy, 60 points might just be right on. But, more playtests are needed.
Map: Bridging the Fields of Fire.
Army 1 (Derek): Laglor, Dund, Krav Maga Agents, Agent Carr, Doggin Trackers, Vindicators of Vydar = 580 points.
VS
Army 2 (Damon): Rechets Of Bogdan, Iskra Esenwein, Preyblood Thrall x4, Deathstrike Thrall x4, Nicholas Esenwein, Brunak = 590 points.
Battle Report: This was an incredibly fun battle. Damon won with only a 2-life Brunak left. The Thralls won with 74 points left, but was only able to pull it off after Nikolas killed all three Krav which rebirthed Thralls. Nikolas killed Laglor in one roll of the dice, but Agent Carr killed Nick in one roll of the dice – lots of skulls! The Vindicators did some damage early, shooting from range to take out a couple of thralls with Laglor’s range bonus. But, they got extended a bit and then Damon sent in Thralls to wipe them out in a couple of turns before they had a chance to repair or inflict more damage. Different OM placement could have changed their impact immensely.
Final thoughts: Keep all the stats and powers the same. Conduct more play tests.
